The best way to travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau

Question

What’s the best way to travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau, Vietnam?

Answer 1

Mai Chau is the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle of Hanoi. The modern village is an unappealing sprawl, but as you emerge on the rice fields and rural living is transformed into a real paradise. It’s a stunning area, and the most people here are ethnic White Thai, distantly related to tribes in Thailand, Laos and China.

How to get There

Mai Chau is 135km from Hanoi and just 5km south of Tong Dau junction on High Way 6. There’s no direct public transport to Mai Chau from Hanoi; however, buses to nearby Hoa Binh (25,000 d, two hours) are plentiful. From Hoa Binh there are several scheduled buses to Mai Chau (20,000d, two hours) daily. Usually these stop at Tong Dau junction; a xe om (motorbike taxi) from there to Mai Chau proper will cost about 15,000d.

Answer 2

Here are a few options you can consider:

private car hire or Taxi: Hiring a private car or taxi is the most convenient and flexible option. You can arrange for a private car or taxi to pick you up from your accommodation in Hanoi and drive you directly to Mai Chau. This allows you to travel at your own pace and make stops along the way if desired. It is also the fastest option, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Shared Minivan: Another option is to take a shared minivan or shuttle bus from Hanoi to Mai Chau. Many tour operators and travel agencies in Hanoi offer this service. The minivan will pick you up from a designated meeting point in Hanoi and drop you off in Mai Chau. It is a more affordable option compared to hiring a private car, but the departure times may be fixed and you will be sharing the vehicle with other passengers.

Public Bus: There are also public buses that operate from Hanoi to Mai Chau. You can go to the My Dinh or Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi and look for buses heading to Mai Chau. The bus journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. However, please note that the schedules and comfort levels of public buses may vary, and it can be a less convenient option compared to private transportation.

It's recommended to book your transportation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability. Additionally, consider checking with your accommodation in Mai Chau if they offer transportation services or can assist you in arranging transportation from Hanoi.